Chapel and Godly Play

Chapel provides an opportunity to inspire students to think how they can lead lives with meaning, purpose, faith and integrity. Our students learn through practice and guidance, compassion and humility, to make the world a better place.

Lower School and Middle School Chapels

First through eighth grade students participate in a form of chapel throughout the week. Middle School worships together on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Lower School worships together on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. During chapel, we celebrate birthday blessings. On Wednesday, Middle School celebrates Eucharist with communion for those who receive and a blessing for those who do not. Lower School students celebrate Eucharist monthly. We invite parents to join us for chapel at any time. It's a wonderful experience to see and hear the students worshiping together.

This chapel format allows us to create a more meaningful learning experience for all ages, while helping us more fully strengthen the character and enrich the spirit of each student in a Christian environment, as charged by our mission.

Primary School Chapel

Preschool through Kindergarten students participate in their own chapel. Kindergarten attends three days a week (Monday, Tuesday, and Friday) and Preschool through TK attends two days each week (Tuesday and Friday). In conjunction with our once weekly Godly Play class and school-wide student formation classes, Primary School Chapel benefits our students’ growth in mind, body, and spirit, and enhances the sense of welcome and inclusion they feel at St. John’s.

Student Participation

Each child has an opportunity to serve in chapel, and as students move through Middle School, they have the opportunity to serve in Student Vestry. Our Chaplains encourage the students' creative involvement in chapel, with students participating in chapel skits, Advent and Holy Week celebrations, and the end-of-year Sheepfold chapel service, a traditional ceremony wishing eighth graders farewell.

Godly Play

Godly Play is a creative method of teaching children the art of religious language and developing in them an awareness of God's presence. Primary School students receive weekly Godly Play instruction. First through fourth grade students receive Godly Play instruction throughout the year.